White Castle Launches Castle of Tomorrow Prototype

White Castle has launched a prototype, called Castle of Tomorrow, featuring an updated kitchen layout and a dedicated mobile order pickup window. Situated in Columbus, Ohio, the prototype, created in partnership with WD Partners, meets the needs of guests and employees alike. Highlights include the following:

• The kitchen design “emphasizes efficiency, comfort and ergonomics,” White Castle states in the release. It points to enhanced back-of-house layouts, streamlined prep zones and upgraded break spaces. A robotic fry station assistant and an AI-powered drive-thru ordering system mark technology offerings.
• A mobile order pickup window provides a fast, smooth experience for guests who order ahead through the app, while keeping the front counter clear for walk-in customers.
• A double drive-thru now includes hospitality doors that allow employees to personally deliver meals to guests in their cars, boosting efficiency and customer service.
• Easy-to-use, self-service kiosks give guests another quick, convenient way to order.
• A first-of-its-kind brand sign reads “White Castle” by day and “Night Castle” by night to represent the brand’s late-night identify.

White Castle, based in Columbus, operates 341 restaurants. Aimed at meeting the needs of modern diners, the brand was preparing to test autonomous delivery with Coco Robotics and Uber Eats in Chicago this past summer.